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Attics
Written by
Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement
When it comes to framing a roof, there are two main styles of roof
systems. One style is referred to as a “truss.” A truss roof is a
prefabricated framework of structural members designed to carry the
load of the roof to the outside walls. A truss roof is shipped to
the construction site. The other style is called a “stick” frame or
rafter system. A stick frame is built at the site and involves
cutting and assembling an intricate roof design from scratch.
Truss systems are cost effective and can be erected faster than a
stick system. For a truss roof, installation is simple because it
arrives at the site pre-assembled. Also, trusses generally rest on
outside walls which leaves the inside clear to move walls. This
allows homeowners the flexibility to accommodate to different room
sizes. However, trusses do limit the wide open attic space that a
stick frame creates because the lumber of a truss frame crisscrosses
as opposed to having wide open rafters. Also, once installed, a
truss system can not be modified.
When deciding on the type of roof system you would like to have
installed, it is important to plan ahead carefully. Speak with a
professional designer or architect about the best roof system for
your home. Not only does the roof frame need to be taken into
consideration, but also the wall thickness, roof height, roof pitch,
roof load, and ceiling heights.
Roof Truss Designs:
• Attic
• King Post
• Howe
• Modified Queen
• Fink
• Howe Scissors
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